Dr. Diane Arnaout, a pediatrician based in Fort Worth, Texas, is set to release her first book, “Hiccups: A Pediatrician Mom’s Guide to Surviving Your First Year of Parenthood,” on April 2, 2026. After spending a decade providing pediatric medical advice online, Arnaout has garnered a substantial following, with her social media posts reaching audiences globally, from local residents to those in Indonesia.
Recognizing common misconceptions parents have about childhood illnesses, Arnaout began sharing her insights through social media. Her approach, combining personal experiences with professional knowledge, quickly resonated with many. “I started just being very honest and writing about what I was doing with my own kids, the data I had read, the numbers I knew, and just shared that with the community to help them make their own decisions,” she explained.
From Social Media to Print
The motivation behind writing “Hiccups” stems from Arnaout’s desire to create a more permanent resource for parents navigating their first year of parenthood. “Social media is a dumpster fire some days,” she noted, highlighting the challenges of relying solely on digital platforms for advice. The book aims to provide a concise, accessible guide, structured to allow parents to find answers quickly without needing to read it cover to cover.
Arnaout’s writing style reflects her engaging social media presence. The book features section titles such as “Breastfeeding is a real bitch” and “The absolute brilliance of your kid’s immune system.” Each chapter is presented in a question-and-answer format, diverging from the lengthy paragraphs typical of many parenting guides. This design is intended to make the book feel like a conversation with a trusted friend.
“I hope it helps someone somewhere,” Arnaout said. “My goal is to help some parent who is feeling really confused and frustrated. They just whip the book out and get the answer they need and sleep better that night.”
Future Projects and Family Dedication
Arnaout’s aspirations extend beyond this initial publication. Her publisher, Bloomsbury Academic, has already contracted her for a second book titled “Tumbles,” which will cover the developmental stages of children aged one to three. She plans to continue this series, addressing the needs of parents throughout their children’s growth, including school ages and teenage years.
The dedication of “Hiccups” is heartfelt, aimed at her children, Jack and Abby. In the book’s acknowledgment, she expresses gratitude for their understanding: “You’ve taught me more than any book ever could, and I love you. Thanks for understanding why I wrote about your butt rashes online.”
As Dr. Arnaout prepares for her book launch, she remains committed to providing reliable, practical advice for parents, combining her medical expertise with her personal experiences. Through her writing, she hopes to ease the challenges of parenthood for others, reinforcing the vital role of accessible information in raising healthy children.
